Volkswagen Golf TSI 1.8T Exhaust Comparison - Stock Exhaust vs. GTI Catback Exhaust

For those who are interested in doing the same exhaust swap, I have listed all the necessary parts needed to complete the swap.
Note 1: The parts listed below are specifically for the MK7.5 and will not work on the regular MK7 as the rear valance on the MK7 is different than that of the facelift rear valance on the MK7.5.
Rear Valance: 5GM807568R9B9
Brace (Left): 5GM807509A
Brace (Right): 5GM807510A
Screws (4x): N91090701
Note 2: The TSI Exhaust pipe is 2.25" and the GTI Exhaust pipe is 2.5". Because of this, you will need to find an exhaust reducer or clamp to account for the change in pipe size. Below is an amazon (Canada) link for the exhaust clamp I used and it worked perfectly with some gasket market/sealant to ensure an air-tight fit with no exhaust leaks.
2.25" to 2.5" Exhaust Clamp: amzn.to/3KX7zmm
Note 3: If purchased from the dealer, you will pay far too much for the catback exhaust from the GTI. Your best bet is to source an exhaust from a junkyard potentially or keep an eye out for one for sale in your area. Important to source an exhaust from a facelift GTI, as the pre and post facelift exhaust are slightly different. I'm not entirely sure if the pre-facelift exhaust would still work, but I personally used a post-facelift just to be 100% sure.
Note 4: The exhaust hangers used on the TSI are the exact same as those used on the GTI so there is no need to purchase anything extra. The parts listed above are the only ones I need to complete the install.
Disclaimer: The Amazon link above is an affiliate link and may pay me a small commission at no extra cost to you, the purchaser

[@deyuanliu1864]

is it 1.8golf tsi with stock gti exhaust？everything fits good？

[@gauseb]

Yes that's right! Everything is intended to fit, i.e. the exhaust hangars all line up but you will need a reducer as the TSI exhaust pipe is 2.25" and the GTI exhaust is 2.5" so there will be a leak if you don't get a piece of pipe to match the two up together. You have to make sure if it's a mk7 tsi, you get the mk7 GTI exhaust and if it's a mk7.5 tsi, then you get a mk7.5 GTI exhaust.

[@deyuanliu1864]

@@gausebhey thank u for response,do u think I can just replace my muffler and resonator?

[@gauseb]

@deyuanliu1864 I'm pretty sure that's exactly what I have. Everything after the down pipe. the catalytic converter is included in the DP then you have the resonator followed by muffler.

[@deyuanliu1864]

@@gauseb thank u for response again,I just bought the muffler,and I’m planning to install it these days

[@paytonsaldana3656]

I can’t get that clamp off amazon and can’t find them anywhere

[@gauseb]

I see that it's currently not available. I would just search for 2.25 to 2.5" exhaust adapters/reducers. I found many of them for around $20 but see to require some U-bolts to secure, or maybe even welding if you're comfortable with that. Sorry I can't help much more than that unfortunately. Best of luck with the conversion.

[@roris4561]

Just got a GTI catback for $120 USD. Can’t wait, this sounds a lot better than our stock!

[@gauseb]

Right!! Such a cheap bolt on mod. Sure aftermarket would probably be better but for less than $200, why not 😂

[@totov7673]

​@@gausebDoes this car come stock with launch controle?

[@gauseb]

@totov7673 no not even close. It's below the GTI and I don't even think the GTI has it 😂

[@totov7673]

@@gauseb .... Bro yes the gti has it my cousin has it. You still have the car?

[@gauseb]

@totov7673 i sure do! And oh cool I didn't know that

[@paytonsaldana3656]

What are the braces for?

[@gauseb]

They're inserts. They get inserted into the sides of the GTI valance as a brace/support for the screws that actually get mounted to the car. The install won't work without them

[@melvinjpavionics]

Does if fit 2016 golf tsi?

[@gauseb]

I don't think so because the 2018 model (mine) was a facelift model with new bumpers and new exhaust for the GTI. You'd have to source parts from the Mk7 (2017 or older) instead of the Mk7.5 (2018+)

[@remoteskys5704]

i have a tsi i’ve read you can’t fit the rear valance without the gti bumper is that true or did you just buy the rear valance and throw it on the stock bumper

[@gauseb]

Base, TSI, GTI and R all share the same bumper, just the rear valance is different. I bought the GTI valance and swapped it in. Just make sure if you own a mk7.5 TSI that you get the mk7.5 GTI valance.

[@tannermillistver]

Im looking to do an aftermarket exhaust for my 2018 tsi, will anything for the gti fit? Worried about piping size and exhaust hangars, specifically the two at the very back

[@gauseb]

Not sure about anything aftermarket as I went OEM. The pipe for a GTI is 2.5" I believe where as the TSI is only 2.25" so you'll need some sort of reducer at some point in your system

[@tannermillistver]

@@gauseb thank you

[@Jushwa]

Wow sounds and looks great

[@gauseb]

Thank you!! Big fan of OEM upgrades

[@blalaaymen2510]

What is the brand of your cat back?

[@gauseb]

Stock. OEM GTI parts

[@cam_fras4605]

sounds awesome, just picked up a used gti catback but am waiting to install it since im stuck on what I need for the valence. Did you have to get different hardware? and where did you get your valence?

[@gauseb]

Just had to buy 4 screws. Part number for the screws and Valance inserts are in the description. I got the valance directly from the Dealer. I didn't want to risk getting the wrong part.

[@cam_fras4605]

@@gauseb awesome, should have checked the description. Sounds great by the way.

[@allenm6326]

Stock downpipe? Did you remove the resonator on the GTI cat back?

[@gauseb]

Stock DP, yes and nope I didn't remove anything from the GTI catback

[@Dr_DabberOnKick]

i went with a 42 draft design cat back, and it sounds a lot better than this. the gti exhaust is kinda garbage, like most gti owners know. not sure why you went the expensive route and got a stock exhaust, for a stock exhaust.

[@gauseb]

Expensive? The whole thing cost me less than $400 CAD. $180 for the exhaust, $20 for an adapter and however much for the valance. What can I say, I like OEM parts 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@gauseb]

$595 USD for the catback from 42 Draft design plus the other parts sounds more "expensive" to me 🥴

[@Dr_DabberOnKick]

You spent more time and effort putting together something that sounds like trash.

[@gauseb]

Thanks for hurting my feelings 😓

[@CookieSMIF]

Hey, what gasket sealant did you use?

[@gauseb]

I'm not even sure of the brand honestly. I just found something that was high heat since exhaust gasses can get pretty hot.

[@Itz_KDot8]

Straight bolt on to a 1.8t?

[@gauseb]

Everything but the connection to the cat. Need a reducer because the 1.8t pipe is smaller than the GTI catback

[@iankonstantino6648]

Where did you find the GTI rear diffuser valance? Part number?

[@gauseb]

I got it directly from my local VW dealer. Part number: 5GM807568R9B9

[@iankonstantino6648]

@@gauseb thanks man!

[@gabe6152]

are these mk7 1.8t mated with a dsg trans?

[@gauseb]

It's a mk7.5 but I think some are but I could be mistaken. Mine doesn't have the DSG unfortunately

[@ThereAreNoHandlesLeft]

4motion (awd) ones have the dsg, fwd autos have a traditional automatic.

[@agusauad4146]

Its 1.4t no 1.8t

[@gauseb]

My car? I'm pretty sure it's a 1.8T because that's what I have.